My students need a laptop with capabilities to run the Dragon program which gives an alternate way to get their thoughts on paper thus helping them with their writing.
Have you ever had a great idea, but were unable to share it? Every year there are students in fourth grade, who despite possessing great imaginations, have never felt the satisfaction of writing down and sharing their feelings and thoughts on paper.
We have three fourth grade classes in a Utah public school full of wonderful kids with unlimited potential.
They are bright, fun loving and eager to learn. Unfortunately, as with other years, we have students who are unable to use a pencil, pen or keyboard to transfer their thoughts, ideas and stories to print. It breaks my heart to see them get so frustrated by their lack of success. Until now we have not known how to satisfactorily meet their special needs.
My Project
All throughout a child's school career everything that they are graded on comes down to being able to express their thoughts. We have students in our classes who are articulate, expressive and smart but lack the skills to get their words from their mouths onto their papers. I have purchased a program called Dragon Naturally Speaking that a student can use a computer to speak into and the program turns their words into written text.
After purchasing the program I found that we do not have a single computer in the school with the ability to run the program. I am discouraged that we still lack the ability to give the students what they need to help them overcome this challenge.
The mobility of a new laptop will give the opportunity for all of our fourth grade students who need help to use the program at their own desks. I feel that if the students use this laptop with Dragon they will feel success which will encourage them to try harder each time they are asked to write.
Every child deserves the chance to hold success in their hands.
I believe that once a child sees his or her ideas and stories written in black and white, they will feel the joy of believing in themselves. This new found confidence will naturally spill over into other facets of learning, helping them to stay successful for the remainder of their school careers.
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